I love my Kindle - but I'm back in print

I love my Kindle, but recently I’ve found myself buying more real life books. And it turns out I’m not the only one. 

Last month, my favourite econsultancy writer asked what was behind the decline in ebook sales. And while I agree it’s good to reduce my screen time, that’s not the reason I’ve been going back to print. 

It’s because books for my Kindle got really, stupidly expensive.

Up until a few months ago I’d happily wander around Waterstones, find a book I liked the look of, make a note of it in my phone and go home to add it to my Amazon wishlist. 

The staff all knew I was doing it too. Soz. 

But now I’m finding Kindle versions are not only more expensive than paperbacks, but they’re pricier than hardbacks too. What gives? 

Apparently, ebooks were built for convenience rather than cost effectiveness. We weren’t promised non-stop book bargains if we went digital. Although I don’t remember anyone attempting to clear up the conclusions that our eager little bibliophile brains had jumped to. 

And even though there are no printing, shipping or returns costs, the prices set by the publisher of an ebook can’t be discounted. Not even by the all-powerful Amazon. 

So if we were to continue to ignore healthy levels of screen time, throw obscene amounts of money at any ebook we fancied and eat up all of our favourite ecommerce site’s ‘recommendations’ without question, we could end up doing some real damage to the high street. 

According to a recent report by ParcelHero, by 2030 the impact of online shopping and home deliveries will force the majority of Britain's book shops to close - both chain stores and smaller local outlets. 

This report predicts that in 13 years time there will be less than 600 book shops open in the UK.

And I really don’t want to be another person contributing to that. 

Yes, I’d rather pack a Kindle for my holiday reading; it’s easier than carrying eight books in my hand luggage. And let’s not mention the secret book stuffing that may or may not still be happening in my hold bags. 

But when I’m at home, reaching for my Kindle is no longer my default. 

A browse around Forum Books will nearly always result in a purchase rather than an wishlist addition. 

And while I still haven’t figured out the best angle to hold onto a hardback book without dropping it on my face, being able to give it to my Mam to read after me FOR FREE means it’s totally worth the arm ache.

And don't forget the magic words: second-hand book FINDS. 

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